Should I Move to Hong Kong?

The British influence on Hong Kong is clear for all to see but that doesn't change the fact that you'll find yourself immersed in a fast paced and apparently alien culture. How you adapt to that is up to you. In my personal experience, most people love Hong Kong, or at least grow to love it after initial problems. It seems to me that cases where people can't wait to leave Hong Kong are rare and I would suggest that if you're having doubts or worries about moving here, just throw them out the window and go for it. You'll probably be asking yourself 'What was I so worried about' once you arrive and have settled in.

You're biggest problem will probably be one of perception. Even though so many things will appear so far removed from what you are used to, behind all the Chinese neon signs and bizarre looking food, it's just another city with ordinary people going about their lives and is really not that different when all is said and done.

Is Hong Kong Safe?
Worried about your safety? In a word, don't! Hong Kong is an extremely safe place to live and although it has its problems, like any other city, the police are professional and nearly all places are relatively safe to walk even at night. Just to convince you further, it has been described as one of the safest cities in the world and boasts a very low crime rate. Obviously you should take the usual precautions but it should not be something you spend time worrying about. Whenever I am in Hong Kong, I just feel safe somehow.

The Cost of Living in Hong Kong is on a par with Western Europe, as are the wages. Something that will really help is the favourable tax regime and you'll be the envy of your Western counterparts back home when they find out how little you pay. The tax system is also very simple and your tax returns will take no time at all.

The trick for cost effective living is to avoid getting into the routine of frequenting restaurants that serve Western food, just because you can't be bothered to get used to the local cuisine. Buy local brands and eat with the locals, it's not so hard once you get used to the way things work and you'll probably get to like it so much you won't look back. As a rule of thumb, many people agree that the cost of living is lower that the time of the handover in 1997 but then, so are the wages (Time of writing - May 2011).

Car ownership is really not necessary in my opinion. Nearly all Hong Kong residents rely totally on public transport. You can literally go anywhere at any time of the day or night on the world class transport system. It really is not an issue. So there's another thing you won't need to worry about. A car is not necessary and would probably be more of a hindrance


Transport
Tram Ride (Any distance)
2 HK$
Taxi (Central to North point)
50 HK$
MTR
3.80 - 26.00 HK$
Health
Typical doctors appt. (Including medications)
500 HK$
Gym Membership
500 - 1000 HK$
Other Costs
Unlimited broadband Internet
300 HK$
Landline Phone
100 HK$ p/m
Basic Cellphone Package
100 - 150 HK$ p/m

Living Expenses
Meal for two (Mid priced restaurant)
500 - 800 HK$
Beer in Lan Kwai Fong/Wan Chai (Bottled or Draught)
50 HK$
Cigarettes
30 - 35 HK$
Fast food burger meal
25 HK$
6 large navel oranges
~20 HK$
Ground Coffee (250g)
40 - 50 HKD
Frozen Chicken (Per Kg)
40 HK$
Minced Beef (Per Kg)
50 HK$
1 Litre milk
25 HK$
12 Eggs
15 ~ 20 HK$

Hong Kong also has many wet markets, where low cost produce and goods will be available. You tend to find more of these in areas with public housing. These are great places to get food and basics and can help to keep the cost of living down.

This is just a brief summary of things and if you have the opportunity to live here and experience things for yourself, why would you want to miss out? Go for it!